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Kongobu-ji
高野町高野山１３２
The head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect. It is the central temple of Mount Koya, the sacred site of Shingon esoteric Buddhism founded by Kukai. The name 'Kongobu-ji' is also used in a broad sense to refer to Mount Koya as a whole.
History
Its origins lie in Mount Koya, which was established as the fundamental training ground for Shingon esoteric Buddhism by the Great Master Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in the early Heian period. The temple's name is derived from the sutra 'Kongobu-roku-gai-ichigayoga-yugiki-kyo' (Sutra of the Universal Yoga of the Vajra Peak Pavilion). The current Kongobu-ji traces its lineage to Aigan-ji, which was built in 1593 CE (Bunroku 2) by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to pray for the soul of his deceased mother. In 1869 CE (Meiji 2), Aigan-ji and Koyama-ji were merged and renamed Kongobu-ji, becoming the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect.
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What visitors say
The temple features vast gardens and a majestic upper precinct. In particular, the imposing presence of the Fundamental Great Pagoda and the scale of the Panlong Garden are overwhelming. Winter offers a quiet and solemn atmosphere, while autumn foliage provides vibrant scenery. Access from Koyasan Station by bus is convenient, but it gets crowded during the autumn foliage season. Visiting in the early morning or on weekdays is recommended.
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Tuesday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Thursday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Friday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Saturday: 8:30 – 17:00
- Sunday: 8:30 – 17:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
The head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect. A World Heritage site and sacred ground of Kobo Daishi.
The head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect, founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Located at the center of the World Heritage spiritual site of Mount Koya, it is bustling with visitors for Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) and worship at Okunoin.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect
- ・World Heritage site
- ・Sacred ground of Kobo Daishi
- June 15Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival)
The largest festival on Mount Koya, celebrating the birth of Kobo Daishi.
Held on June 15, this is the largest festival on Mount Koya, celebrating the birth of Kobo Daishi. It features the Hana Mido Togo (procession of the flower hall) and musical Buddhist rites.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Celebration of Kobo Daishi's birth
- ・Hana Mido Togo (procession of the flower hall)
- ・The largest festival on Mount Koya
- August 13Rousoku Matsuri (Candle Festival) / Mandou Kyouyou-e (Ten Thousand Lights Memorial Service)
A fantastical summer event where approximately 100,000 candles light up the approach to Okunoin.
On August 13, approximately 100,000 candles are lit along the roughly 2-kilometer approach to Okunoin. This fantastical summer event is dedicated to the memorial service for ancestors.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Approximately 100,000 candles on the approach
- ・Ancestral memorial service
- ・Fantastical lighting
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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